Cross College

Tag: philosophy

  • Who Was Dōgen Zenji? The Founder of Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhism

    Dōgen Zenji (1200–1253) is one of the most influential figures in the history of Zen Buddhism, known as the founder of the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan. His teachings emphasize the practice of Zazen (seated meditation) as the direct path to enlightenment, focusing on the idea that enlightenment is not a distant goal but…

  • The Writings and Philosophy of Cicero: A Pillar of Roman Thought

    Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BCE – 43 BCE) is one of the most influential figures in Roman philosophy, known for his profound impact on rhetoric, politics, and ethics. A prolific writer, orator, and statesman, Cicero’s works have shaped the intellectual traditions of Western philosophy, particularly through his integration of Greek philosophical concepts into the Roman…

  • Who Was Meister Eckhart? Exploring the Life and Philosophy of a Christian Mystic

    Meister Eckhart (1260–1328) was a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic, widely regarded as one of the most profound spiritual figures in Western Christianity. His teachings, which often focused on the direct experience of God, challenged conventional religious thinking and have continued to inspire mystics, philosophers, and seekers of spiritual truth throughout history. In this post,…

  • The Philosophy of Henri Bergson: Time, Creativity, and the Nature of Reality

    Henri Bergson (1859-1941) was a prominent French philosopher whose ideas challenged the dominant intellectual currents of his time, particularly in regard to time, consciousness, and creativity. His work influenced a wide range of fields, from literature and art to science and metaphysics, and continues to be studied for its innovative approaches to understanding reality. In…

  • Rabindranath Tagore: The Renaissance Man of India

    Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a towering figure in Indian literature, music, philosophy, and education, often referred to as the “Bard of Bengal.” Tagore was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his profoundly spiritual and beautifully lyrical work, Gitanjali. He remains one of the most celebrated and influential figures…

  • Exploring the Literary Treasures of South Asia: Five Landmark Works

    Indian literature, one of the oldest literary traditions in the world, encompasses a vast range of languages, cultures, and religions. It is deeply rooted in the region’s spiritual and philosophical history, and its themes often reflect complex understandings of human existence, duty, love, and devotion. From ancient religious epics to modern novels, the literary works…

  • 5 Great Works of Chinese Literature: Masterpieces That Shaped Chinese Culture

    Chinese literature is one of the world’s oldest and richest literary traditions, spanning over three millennia. From poetry and philosophy to epic novels and historical chronicles, Chinese writers have explored profound themes of morality, loyalty, love, and the human condition. In this post, we’ll take a look at five great works of Chinese literature that…

  • Eastern Themes in Schopenhauer: A Bridge Between East and West

    When we think of Arthur Schopenhauer, the 19th-century German philosopher known for his pessimistic worldview, we might not immediately connect him with the rich spiritual traditions of the East. However, a closer look reveals that Eastern philosophy played a significant role in shaping his ideas, forming an intriguing bridge between Eastern and Western thought. In…

  • The Elements of the Later Wittgenstein: Language, Meaning, and Philosophical Investigations

    Ludwig Wittgenstein is one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, and his work is often divided into two distinct periods: the early Wittgenstein, represented by his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, and the later Wittgenstein, exemplified by his posthumous work Philosophical Investigations. While the early Wittgenstein was concerned with the logical structure of language and…

  • The Philosophy of Thomas Hobbes: A Foundational Thinker of Modern Political Thought

    Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) is one of the most influential political philosophers in Western thought. His works, particularly Leviathan (1651), laid the foundation for much of modern political theory, especially concerning the nature of human society, the role of government, and the social contract. Hobbes’ ideas were revolutionary for their time and continue to be relevant…